Friday, February 4, 2011

Digging Our Way Out- Ice Storm 2011



We are still digging our way out from the recent ice storm. Thankfully we fared better than many. We never lost our power and I don't think I lost a single branch from my trees.

Being from Alabama, I have never encountered anything quite like this. I hope I never do again! This stuff literally has to be broken up with sledge hammers! I am so thankful for my son's help. I don't know how we would have managed this without him.



More snow is on the way Saturday and Monday. I am so ready for spring!



The one bright spot to all of this winter precipitation in that the bird feeders have constant activity. Watching the birds helps keeps  me sane and makes the cabin fever less severe.


Not only did I make wreaths for the birds, but I put greenery on my swing frame, which I use for a bird feeding station during the winter. I sprinkle seeds on the greenery to attract the birds. It makes for a prettier backdrop than the bird feeders and the ugly frame.


The wreaths are still my most popular feeders, and have a steady stream of visitors.


They are so pretty sprinkled with icy sleet pellets and covered with mounds of snow. I plan to do this every winter.



I'm sure the poor birds are ready for spring too! They look so cold!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

26 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, unbelievable weather going on round the world at the moment. Sure don't like the sound of that ice. The bird pictures are beautiful. God Bless - Nita

Jenny said...

I've been through more ice storms than I can count. I'd rather have 10 times the amount in snow rather than ice - they are awful.

I had to smile at your son breaking up the ice. We just leave it, sometimes we sprinkle some salt on it to help it melt. Then once the sun hits your sidewalk you can scrape it off in big chunks. Of course, we deal with it so often we don't put the energy into to breaking it up.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos!
Have a nice weekend.

Gail said...

What a winter it's been and we still have February to get through. Your bird shots are delightful. gail

Lona said...

What a winter. It missed us here and I was thrilled. Glad you did not get so much ice that your electricity would have went out. They are still getting peoples electricity on in the northern part of Ohio. It makes for pretty images but I would rather have a foot of snow than the ice. Have a wonderful weekend.

Ruth Hiebert said...

All that greenery makes stunning bird pictures.I too am more than ready for spring,it's been a long winter,at least so it seems.
Ruth

Tessa said...

Wow! Unbelievable weather you're haveing. Amazing that the birds looks content!

Happy almost spring,

Tessa

Karin / Southern Meadows said...

There is some crazy weather being thrown down by Mother Nature. We are just getting rain here but I'm about over it with all the mud the dogs are dragging in. Hope you stay safe and warm.

Darla said...

I know you are thankful for your son's help. The snow is so pretty on your garland feeders.

CE Webster said...

What nice shots of the birds, the colors are beautiful! As for digging out--think spring. That's what we're going here. It can't come soon enough.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I love your wreaths for the birds! How cool! I hope I remember this next year.

I'm glad you had help with the ice and snow. I'm ready for spring, too.

Rosemary said...

Did not get ice here just more snow, runnng out of room to put it. I too will be glad to see the end of this winter.

Jan said...

That ice is tough stuff! I'm glad you didn't have any major damage. And I hope your driveway was preserved from any cracks due to sledge hammer accidents;~} It's hard to know what else to do when it gets that bad. I'm from PA and Maine and know that thick ice can be a real problem.
Wow, I just LOVE your feeding stations and but maybe even more so, your photos of them! Those have got to be next years Christmas cards, Robin! They're beautiful. I want one...so send me one next Christmas;-)

Bonnie said...

Just found your blog and your wonderful wreaths for the birds. I may just have to try that. I don't usually feed the birds because we have too many squirrels, but it would be fun to see who visits.

Kerri Farley said...

GORGEOUS!
Hoping the SUN has come out for you!!

Cindy said...

Your pictures are so colourful. We have had our full of snow here as well. 2.5 hours to clear away last nights dump. Our snow banks in our yard are 5 feet high other places I see them 7 feet high. I'm looking two ways for Spring as well.

Rose said...

Wish I'd had your son to help me last Sunday! I got a taste of your ice storm when I returned to the airport at Indy on Sunday--my flights were fine, but my car had been parked there all week, and it took me an hour to chip the ice off my windshield before I could leave!

I'm sure the birds appreciate all the extra care you've provided for them; they have the prettiest bird feeders around!

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Hi Robin. I've not visited in a bit but enjoy it each and every time I do. Your bird wreaths are a huge hit, dear! Next year I plan to do the same thing. Might not wait until next year, actually! LOVE your photography. HATE the ice!!! STAY WARM!

Jan said...

Hi Robin. Just stopping by on March 3rd to wish you a happy birthday. Can't remember if it's today or tomorrow?! We have similar birthdays so yours is easy for me to remember (well, not the 'exact' date but close to it, anyway)!. Have a wonderful day and year;-)

Brenda Pruitt said...

I so miss feeding the birds and squirrels. When we lost the cat Bonnie almost a year ago, I blame it on the fact that rats came to my yard, having been evicted from their woods down the road due to commercial building. I know it must have been those darned rats that brought in a big hawk or whatever big creature took my Bonnie out of a yard she could not get out of. What do you do about this problem? Or have you ever had it? I don't dare put birdseed out, as the pest control guy said it might lure them back to my yard.
Brenda

La Vie Quotidienne said...

My you have had such a difficult winter. I hope that you have a wonderful spring and summer to make up for it. The bird pictures are so very beautiful.(-:

Naturegirl said...

Robin! Oh my all that ice this time of year! I forget how severe winter is since I've been basking in the warm of the desert sunshine.
I see morning doves outside my patio as I type and feel so bad for the one you posted with the ICE on it's backfeathers!!
Robin what a beautiful series of images of the birds feeding and a great idea for your wreath!
Good son helping out with all that crazy ice!!A young man's task for sure!!
Stay warm..soon the sun will shine..come to my blog when you need a dose of blue skies and warmth. Hang in there.
I head home in 3 weeks...better NOT be any ice in my woodlands.
Waving from the desert with a fist full of sunshine for you.

Shanae Branham said...

You were lucky to not even lose a branch off a tree. How fun to have the birds at your bird feeder during winter. Your photos are lovely. I enjoyed stopping by!

Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen said...

I hope Spring is further along the way now in your garden. As always it's a joy to look at your pictures. You have blossomed as a photographer.

Have a gr8 weekend!

Mary said...

Hi Robin,

Your Cardinal shots made me squeal. We had an ice storm in January, too. Now, Spring has arrived for both of us.

It's nice to visit you again.

Mary

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I just stopped by to say hi, Robin. I hope spring is treating you well, and your snow is melted. Here in Nebraska, we are supposed to get into the 80s this weekend! Maybe the warmer temps will be heading your way, too.